What is the Interfaith Health Alliance (IHA)?
The IHA is a partnership between the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), the Interfaith Council, and faith-based organizations in St. Mary’s County. This partnership works to address key health issues in our community, such as drug addiction, tobacco use and more.
Faith-based organizations play a pivotal role in strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods and communities, mobilizing residents to address community issues, promoting volunteerism, and delivering direct services across a broad spectrum to address critical unmet human needs. Faith organizations have the ability to reach a great number of community members on a consistent basis and faith leaders are trusted sources for guidance on a variety of issues. Through the IHA, the Health Department partners with local faith-based organizations to provide the tools and expertise needed to promote health and wellness for congregations in St. Mary’s County.
Programs & Initiatives
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China. The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is working with national, state, and local partners to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and respond as necessary. SMCHD distributed a bulletin to assist faith leaders with preparedness and prevention efforts for your congregation. Local updates will be posted at: www.smchd.org/coronavirus
Youth Mentoring
SMCHD and Interfaith Council hope to support local faith-based organizations in building or strengthening youth mentoring programs within their faith groups. Mentoring youth as they navigate the challenges of childhood and teen years can help build resiliency, mental well-being, and important life skills. Mentoring can also be a key factor in preventing youth drug misuse and addiction. The SMCHD team is partnering with local faith-based organizations to guide them in the development or strengthening of youth mentoring programs. Free resources are available, as funding allows, to interested faith-based organizations. Click here for more information.
Botvin LifeSkills Training
The Botvin LifeSkills Training is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. The main goals of the program are to teach prevention-related information, promote anti-drug norms, teach drug refusal skills, and foster the development of personal self-management skills and general social skills. If you are interested in incorporating the Botvin Life Skills Curriculum into your Youth Mentoring Program, please complete this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YouthMentoringLST
Smoke Free Holy Grounds
Smoke Free Holy Grounds is an initiative implemented through pastoral leadership to practice and promote healthy lifestyles in the faith community. It involves a covenant to adopt tobacco-free policies and to promote tobacco prevention and cessation programs for members, with assistance and support from the Tobacco Free Living action team of the Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership. In joining this initiative, your congregation will join over 300 other churches across Maryland that are dedicated to a healthy and positive environment. Click here for more information on the Smoke Free Holy Grounds initiative or contact the St. Mary’s County Health Department at (301) 475-4074.
Additional Resources
- The Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit for Faith and Community Leaders – U.S. Department of Health And Human Services